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Demographic and Economic Shifts in Cromwell Heights: From Black Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Cromwell Heights, a neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, has undergone significant demographic and economic changes from 2013 to 2022. The population in 2022 was 884 with a median income of $70,686. The neighborhood has transitioned from a low diversity area with a Black majority to a more diverse community with a Black plurality.
In 2013, Cromwell Heights had a Black majority of 92%. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 54%, while Hispanic (26%) and multiracial (18%) populations increased. The most notable change occurred between 2019 and 2020, with the Black population decreasing from 74% to 55%. This shift indicates a trend towards moderate diversity.
The economic transformation of Cromwell Heights has been substantial. The median income increased from $10,123 in 2013 to $70,686 in 2022, a sevenfold increase. The most significant increase occurred between 2017 and 2018, with median income rising from $26,882 to $55,138. This economic growth correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The demographic changes in Cromwell Heights align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the pace and magnitude of both demographic and economic changes in this neighborhood are particularly notable. The rapid increase in median income surpasses national averages and suggests an influx of higher-income residents or substantial economic development in the area.
The transition from a predominantly Black neighborhood to one with increasing Hispanic and multiracial populations reflects trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The retention of a Black plurality suggests that Cromwell Heights may be managing this transition while maintaining some of its historical community character.
The economic transformation of Cromwell Heights is especially significant when compared to national trends. While the U.S. has experienced median household income growth, the rate of increase in Cromwell Heights exceeds national averages. This could indicate targeted economic development initiatives, gentrification processes, or other localized factors driving rapid change in this specific neighborhood.
Cromwell Heights presents a case study of a neighborhood undergoing rapid demographic and economic transformation. Its evolution from a low-income, predominantly Black community to an increasingly diverse, middle-income neighborhood over a decade highlights the dynamic nature of urban demographics and economics in the United States.
